With its intense publicity drive, Shootout at Lokhandwala took off to not only a flying start at the single screens, but also at the multiplexes, reports Vajir Singh.

With its intense publicity drive and star names, Shootout at Lokhandwala took off to not only a flying start at the single screens, but also at the multiplexes. Although, it’s high on violence, it drew in the crowds.. and opened with nearly 80 per cent collections in Mumbai. Outside, the city, the collections ranged between 60 and 70 per cent.

Finally luckyAfter the disastrous Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost and Ek Ajnabee, it’s been third time lucky for director Apoorva Lakhia. The film was expected to sustain its business during its opening weekend, making it a safe bet.. but tradewallas predict a fall in collection once the initial euphoria is over.

The opening of R Balki’s Cheeni Kum at the matinee and morning shows was a mere 30 to 40 per cent at the multiplexes. But the evening shows picked up. Saturday’s collections, especially the evening show, indicated an improvement. The collections are expected to pick up via positive word-of-mouth. Apparently, the film has gone down well with women viewers.

Thoda up, thoda downThe outcome of last week’s releases, Anurag Singh’s Raqeeb and Sanjay Khanduri’s Ek Chalis Ki Last Local , is out. Raqeeb was rejected outright. Business in the small towns, because of some steamy scenes,was expected to be better.. the gambit didn’t work.

On the other hand, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local has done pretty well at the Mumbai and Delhi multiplexes and is maintaining steady collections. Anurag Basu’s Life in a..Metro is doing above average business in Mumbai and Delhi, but will entail losses in other parts of the country.

Will it, won’t it?Coming Friday will see a solo release: Choreographer-director Ahmed Khan’s Fool N Final with Sunny Deol, Viveik Oberoi, Shahid Kapur and Ayesha Takia. His debut movie Lakeer-the Forbidden Line, was a calamity at the cash counters. But since comedies do click, he could be smiling next weekend.